nha trang

I just finished taking a free-diving course, from a Russian, in Vietnam, in the South China Sea. Quite an interesting life. I have enjoyed free-dive spearfishing off the North Carolina coast for many years…however, past certain depths it is neccesary to learn proper technique, physiology, and safety standards behind the dive.

Free-diving, also know as Apnea, is a quickly growing sport in which divers descend on a single breath through a multitude of disciplines. Certain disciplines with weighted “sleds” have taken divers to depths of over 700 feet! Though I have been free-diving for quite a few years, I quickly learned that 90% of my technique was completely wrong.

After a hour long one on one class, we hit the water. Though the breath hold is a large part of diving, proper technique and mental preparation are what determine a good dive from a bad one. The first day included dives to 14 meters ( 45 feet), proper entry, and the correct way to descend and ascend the line. I quickly became comfortable at this depth and we even experimented with breath holds of 30 seconds or more while at depth.

We happen to be free-diving off a dive boat, so it became a running joke to descend down to the scuba divers and suprise the new guys. Being able to reach scuba depths off a single breath of air can really mess with a diver's perspective. I also practiced saftey techniques in case of the rare, but occuring, shallow water blackout.

The third day was when I decided to break new ground and reach a new personal best. After discussing it with my instructor, we set the rope to 23 meters (75 feet) and began the warm up. After a few shallower dives, I began my descent and eventually felt my hand hit the end of the rope. In a funny turn of events, the rope was about 1 foot away from the actual ground, so I threw technique aside and reached down and grabbed a small shell to “prove” I had made it. A safe ascent and a high-five later and my free-diving story was a success.

The final day was a fun day, and I actually went even deeper to 25 meters ( 82 feet). The rest of the day we spent messing around the shallow reefs and spending extended periods of time at around 40 feet.

I have to leave the beach tonight on a night bus…for 10 hours…to head north to Hoi An. Though the bus will not be fun, I look forward to experiencing the rest of the Vietnam and the last 20 days of my Southeast Asia trip.

As always, enjoy the pictures and shoot me any questions you may have about travel!

Meet Andrei...the awesome instructor

Can't complain about visibility

Underwater ninja Kyle

We say hello

Andrei hanging with a diver

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After an interesting 10 hour night bus, (I included a picture below), I landed in one of the craziest locations of my whole trip. Saigon, Vietnam.

Crossing the street in the city resembles the ultimate game of real-life frogger. Thousands of motorbikes charge through intersections with traffic lights merely trying to keep order. Larger vehicles plow through the ranks and only my training in Phnom Penh allowed for safe passage across even the most basic walkway.

The city itself is massive. “5 star” hotels dot the skyline with the Bitexco Financial Tower towering as a symbol of the areas rapid growth. I actually took the elevators the tower, moving at around 21 feet per second, to the 49th floor and took in the view of the sprawling metropolis.

Though I enjoyed visiting the city, I decided to move on rather quickly and currently reside in the beach-side city of Nha Trang. Clear water, a bustling nightlife, and rapid growth define this area. Though I have yet to find the nightlife…I have spent my days walking the beach and recently returned from a dive trip.

During the two dives, we descended through clear waters and saw a mulittiude of marine life. Eels, trigger fish, and most of the cast from Finding Nemo all inhabited the reefs we visited. During one particular dive, we swam through a cave full of fish and sea urchins. Our Russian dive guide then preceded to take a breath from an air pocket trapped beneath the rocks. #coolkid

As it turns out, my dive guide also happens to be a certifed free dive instructor…and as a belated birthday present to myself, I have decided to stay an extra day or two and take his course. By the end, I will able to safely dive to depths upwards of 60, 70, and 80 feet on a single breath of air. I am excited to say the least.

On a final note, I decided to get a haircut in Vietnam…more or less just to say I did. I never even told the guy what to do with my hair…he just sat me down and brought out the shaver and some odd looking scissors. I regrettably included a picture below…I think he went for a David Beckham? But who knows! Don't laugh too hard.

After I finish my course, I will continue my journey north towards Hanoi with a few stops on the way. Thanks again for those who read my blog and I hope it inspires you to travel. Enjoy!